Digestive CareersHealth Occupations

Dental Assistant $39,000 Job

Work directly with the Dentist

Expose and process radiographs

Provide clients with instructions on oral care following surgery or other treatment procedures

Teach clients how to brush and floss properly

Make impressions of clients’ teeth for study models

Prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment

Perform office management tasks

Practice Settings Dental Offices Dental school clinics Private and Government

hospitals and clinics Insurance companies Dental laboratories and

dental suppliers

Dental Assistant

Education 1 and 2 year programs in community

colleges and postsecondary vocational-technical schools

On the job training is available Certification or registration

requirements vary according to state Outlook

faster than average Most dentists employ 2-3 dental

assistants

Dental Hygienists $56,000-$72,000 Job

Provide oral hygiene care and dental health education to the client

Need good communication skills, dental knowledge, and clinical skills

Assess and chart oral conditions and review the clients health and dental history

Expose and process dental radiographs

Remove calculus and plaque

Apply fluoride and sealants

Practice Settings Private dental

offices Nursing homes Public health

clinics Educational

institutions

Dental Hygienist Cont’d Education

2-4 years of college required in an Accredited Program

Licensure required, must pass written and clinical examination

Outlook faster than average Increased demand for dental care and

use of hygienists

Dental Lab Technician $35,000-$56,000

Job Seldom work with

clients Creates dental

prostheses, replacements for natural teeth, and dental appliances

Needs artistic skills, fine hand dexterity, and good vision

Practice Settings Commercial dental

labs Private dental

offices Dental schools Hospitals

Dental Lab Tech Cont’d

Education On the job training is available Requires an average of 3-4 years Community college, postsecondary

vocational technical schools, and the Armed Forces offer programs

Outlook No change in employment is expected

Dentist $115,000-160,000 Job

Should have scientific ability and interest, work well with others and enjoy helping people

Can be your own boss Diagnose and treat diseases of

the teeth and their supporting tissues, the tongue, lips, and jaws

Restore teeth damaged by decay or trauma

Replace missing teeth with artificial materials

Provide cosmetic procedures to improve a clients appearance

Perform corrective surgery on the jaws and supporting tissues

Straighten teeth Perform oral hygiene

procedures and provide instructions to clients

Practice Settings Most dentists own their

own practices or work with a partner

Hospitals, clinics, government agencies

Research facilities, and educational institutions

Dentist

Education 3-4 years of undergraduate education

plus 4 years of dental school are required to become a general dentist

An additional 2-3 years of postgraduate education is needed for a specialty degree

Outlook Slower than average growth Jobs will increase, a large number of

dentists are expected to retire

Specialty Areas of Dental Practice

Dental Public Health Dental Health prevention Education Treatment programs at the community level

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and

defects of the oral and maxillofacial region (area around the jaws and face)

Specialty Areas of Dental Practice

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics Correction of tooth alignment and

malocclusions (an abnormal relationship of the teeth when biting or closing

Pediatric dentistry Comprehensive dental care of infants

and children though adolescence, including clients who have special needs

Specialty Areas of Dental Practice

Prosthodontics Replacement of missing teeth and oral

structures with artificial substitutes

Gastroenterologist$244,000 - $385,000

Job Deal with disorders

of the stomach and intestines

Practice Settings Private practice Hospitals Clinics

Gastroenterologist Cont’d

Education 4 years of college and acceptance into a

medical school Completes 4 additional years of medical

training 2 years classroom, 2 years working in hospital

setting Residency/Internship

Outlook Faster than average growth due to the

increase in the aging population and the need for primary and specialized health care

Registered Dietician (RD)$36,000 - $52,000

Job A food and nutrition expert Ability to identify and solve problems Strong interest in food and nutrition Ability to work independently

Practice Settings Health care Food service and

research Private practice Public agency

RD cont’d Education

4 year degree in dietetics, food science, or related major at a university or college with an accredited program

Completion of a 6-12 month supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation

Outlook Average growth; increased emphasis on

disease prevention by improved dietary habits